In a minimally invasive procedure, our surgeon will make a very small incision or multiple incisions where a tube or multiple tubes called "trocars" are inserted. These tubes are used as passageways, usually for a "laparoscope" or "endoscope," which are tiny fiber optic video cameras. Working from the images provided from the scope, special instruments are then passed through other openings and operated by remote-control to perform the necessary procedure.

Significant advantages of arthroscopy over a traditional “open-approach” (arthrotomy) include superior visualization of structures and pathology within the joint, increased precision with the use of specifically manufactured arthroscopic instruments, and reduced patient morbidity. All of these factors translate to an ability to provide an improved level of care for our patients with less post-operative pain, increased post-operative limb use, and a quicker and improved recovery.

In some Laparoscopic procedures minimally invasive techniques allow nearby organs (right kidney, intestines, etc) to hang by gravity exposing the site of surgical interest, and providing an unparalleled and magnified visualization of the CC for surgical ablation.

Traditional chest surgery, or Thoracotomy, is an invasive and post-operatively painful procedure. With our minimally invasive techniques, or Thoracoscopy, the same procedures can be performed with improved visualization, reduced tissue dissection and disruption, and faster/easier recoveries for our patients.

Some Thoracatomy procedures even necessitate the opening of the chest and the spreading of the ribs. This may be avoidable using our using our thoracoscopic techniques and instrumentation, which allows these procedures to be performed quickly, easily, and safely with the use of the ligasure vessel sealing device to prevent hemorrhage in thickened and inflamed pericardium.

Furthermore, morbidity can be greatly reduced for certain conditions because patients may be able to undergo three separate surgical procedures under the same anesthesia.

Lastly, minimally invasive techniques allow us to obtain a histologic diagnosis without the need for an open thoracic procedure and is especially useful in certain cases e.g. a case in which a pet owner may not choose to proceed with surgical removal of a mass given a certain diagnosis.

These procedures are usually performed using needles and narrow tubes called catheters through blood vessels or natural lumens (urethra, colon, oro-pharnynx, trachea), rather than by making large incisions into the body as in traditional surgery.